Choosing to be the primary caregiver for a member of your family can be difficult, especially once you take into account the full range of their needs, from physical to emotional and everything in between. Depending on the level of care that your loved one needs, there may come a time when the best decision for everyone is to find a professional adult living residence. While there are several choices, including skilled nursing and memory care, one typically stands out as the best given your particular situation.
To the average observer, the differences may not be evident – so here is a quick description of the various levels of professional care you have available to you.
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities combine independent living with the peace of mind of onsite supervision and medical care. Assisted living facilities normally provide apartment-style residences, with meals prepared and served in a dining hall or common eating area. The staff will coordinate activities and opportunities for education, entertainment, fitness, excursions and often, rides to and from doctors appointments. Assisted living is the ideal solution for those who are anxious about being in a house alone, but still desire to be independent, maintain social relationships, and have a rich quality of life.
Memory Care: Some signs of aging make themselves known clearly, such as aches and pains. But memory loss often is more subtle, beginning with occasional instances of forgetfulness and moving to confusion, disorientation and loss of personal memories. Memory loss may be a expected result of aging, but it can cause stress both for the person experiencing it, and the people around them. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are the two most severe forms of memory loss. In situations where these conditions are present and diagnosed, a memory-care facility is typically the best option. The facilities are designed specifically for those who have these challenges, and the staff is specially trained for the behaviors and emotional needs of these patients. Residents ware encouraged to eat and socialize together as a family, to simulate a life they were most comfortable with in the past. Staff assist with all activities of daily life. (ADLs) and encourage participation in planned activities which stimulate the mind and memory, often including family photos, their favorite music, and objects which are recognizable and important to them. The goal is to slow the progression of their memory loss while giving comfort through early stages of the condition.
If your loved one has an official diagnosis of dementia, memory care is definitely the best option for an adult care residence. If your loved one has no diagnosis but you are concerned, there are some signs to look out for. (Read more.)
Skilled Nursing Care: The term “skilled nursing facility” (SNF), “nursing home” and “convalescent home” are typically interchangeable, and describe an adult residential facility that offers 24-hour medical care. Unlike other senior living residences such as independent living and assisted living, skilled nursing homes offer comprehensive medical care around the clock. Individuals in a skilled nursing home often have several complex medical conditions. Seniors can stay temporarily if they are healing from an injury or accident, but those with chronic medical issues may be full time residents. Most often, a physician will recommends this heightened level of care, perhaps because the individual is bedridden or needs a full-time nurse.
If you have questions as to which adult living residence is best for your family’s situation, call the experts at A Banyan Residence today. Our memory care and assisted living facilities in the Villages are available for private tours; and our caring and compassionate staff is happy to provide you the information you need to make the best decision possible.
